ESPN and ABC’s broadcast of the 2026 NBA Draft first round attracted 4.2 million viewers, marking a 10% increase from the previous year, with a peak of 5.5 million at 8:15 p.m. ET. AJ Dybantsa was selected first overall by the Washington Wizards, followed by Darryn Peterson (Utah Jazz), Cameron Boozer (Memphis Grizzlies), Caleb Wilson (Chicago Bulls), and Keaton Wagler (Los Angeles Clippers). The NBA Draft Preview also saw a 10% rise in viewership, averaging 1 million viewers. In comparison, the earlier NFL draft averaged 13.2 million viewers, down from 13.6 million in 2025.
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2026 NBA Draft Attracts 4.2 Million Viewers on ESPN, ABC
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